Oil Spill Response in Fast Currents – A Field Guide

Kurt A. Hansen
United States Coast Guard
Research and Development Center
Groton, Connecticut, USA
e-mail: khansen@rdc.uscg.mil

Abstract

Efforts to quickly deploy effective fast-water spill response have been hampered by the
lack of technology and adequate training. The objective of this manual is to serve as a
training aid and a field manual to increase the effectiveness of fast-water responses. It
was developed with the cooperation of multiple government agencies, US Coast Guard
units and commercial oil spill response firms. This guide starts with a decision guide to
determine what techniques can be used in various response scenarios. Additional details
are provided for hydrodynamic issues, individual tactics, fast-water skimmers and
support equipment such as boats and anchors. A large number of appendices provide
additional background information needed to make decisions. Whenever possible,
figures are accompanied by pictures to provide a full explanation of each tactic or
methodology. This is the first document that puts all of the needed information for
responding to spills over 1 knot in one book. It will assist the US Coast Guard, the US
EPA and commercial companies in responding to spills on rivers and in coastal areas.
Finally, the information may be useful to increase the speed for advancing-type
skimmers, such as the Spilled Oil Recovery System (SORS) used on USCG Buoy
tenders, for spills in slower moving waters.

1.0 Introduction

Even though between 1992 and 1997 over 58 percent of all oil spilled on US

waterways are in currents that routinely exceed one knot, very little research and product

development has been conducted on new technologies and strategies to respond to oil

spills in currents from one to five knots. (Coe and Gurr, 1999) A lack of effective fast

water containment and recovery systems, and limited training and experience in these

difficult and dangerous response conditions have hampered response efforts in fast

current rivers and coastal areas. The US Coast Guard (USCG) Research & Development

Center (RDC) Project, "Innovative Response Techniques (Fast-Water Containment)"

goal is to improve the fast-water containment and recovery capabilities for both the

USCG and commercial response firms. The first part of this project reviewed existing

technology. (Coe and Gurr, 1998) Another part of the effort was to consolidate

information needed for fast-water training and response into one document.

The objective of this effort was to create a document that addresses only fast­

water issues. There are multiple manuals and guides available for oil spill response but

most have limited information on fast-water conditions (Exxon 1992, US Navy, 1991

EPPR, 1998). For example, the Exxon manual provides a decision guide that

recommends the use of diversion boom but only contains one page about the maximum

angle to use and anchoring methods. Fast water issues in other manuals share space with

spills on land or in groundwater. (CONCOWE, 1982) A more recent publication from

England (Environmental Consultancy, 1998) provides information that can be used to

develop contingency plans but does not contain sufficient details for responders. The

training opportunities are also limited. Only three organizations, Texas A&M,

DOWCAR Environmental Management and US Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) sponsor courses that directly address fast currents.

An initial guide was developed based on the previous report. (Coe and Burr,

1999) Additional information was added based on the field tests of equipment (Hansen,

1999, 2000) and tests at Ohmsett (DeVitis, 2000, 2001) conducted as part of this project.

In June, 2000, a working group composed of USCG, US Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) and commercial oil spill response representatives met to review the

preliminary draft. The consensus of the group was that the guide should first be useful as

a training tool. This training would specifically assist CG Marine Safety Units in

working with CG operational units during an emergency response. This guide would also

permit on-scene commanders and area supervisors to define techniques and terminology

for the responders in the field. A final version of the guide was released in the Fall of

2001. To augment the manual, a smaller concise version is being developed. Space does

not permit exploring the full capability of this manual but the highlights of the manual

will be discussed.

2.0 Organization of Guide

The guide contains 9 chapters and 12 appendices (Table 1) with the first chapter

containing general information. A decision approach is contained in Chapter 2 followed

by a chapter addressing hydrodynamic issues that must be addressed before making

deployment decisions. This arrangement places most of the information needed during a

response right at the front of the guide. The tactics to be used are documented in Chapter

4 and are listed by operating environment. (see Table 2) Chapters on booming

techniques, skimmers, special conditions and support equipment follow. The final

chapter provides some specialized equipment and procedures that have found to be useful

in fast-water responses. The appendices contain a large amount of pertinent information.

The references contain a separate listing of Internet site links.

3.0 Using the Guide

The approach for fast water response usually means moving the oil, and as little water as

possible, to the shoreline for recovery. To perform this, the right equipment must be

deployed using the correct methods. Decision steps are provided (Table 3) to facilitate

the selection and deployment of equipment. Additional assistance is provided in an

appendix in the form of a worksheet (Table 4). This worksheet summarizes all of the

steps listed in Table 3. The main part of this form dealing with fast water is section 10,

Selection of Strategies. The recommended scenarios are listed in Table 5 along with

amplifying information. The tactics are similar among the regions with minor

modifications within the different environments. For example, single diversion boom can

be used almost anywhere but the conditions faced in a coastal environment differs from

rivers. Along the coast where the currents tend to be slower and waves are present,

booms with deeper drafts and higher freeboards are recommended. In addition, the

lengths of boom deployed in the coastal region tend to be longer so heavier anchoring

gear may be needed to handle the loads.

Methods are provided that can facilitate decision-making and implementation

issues. For example, many times response personnel have difficulties estimating the

actual speed of the current. The exact current can be calculated by using the Chip

Current method. A piece of wood is tracked in the current to determine the time that it

takes to drift 100 feet and Table 6 provides the actual current based on this measurement.

Chapter 3 provides hydrodynamic information such as the maximum boom deployment

angle. This is a crucial value and is the one least understood by many responders. Oil

will flow under a boom at about 0.75 knots and is independent of the boom draft. In fast

water, the velocity of the current perpendicular to the boom must be kept lower than

those provided in Figure 1 to keep the oil flowing along the boom and not under it. Since

most currents are lower closer to the shoreline, adjusting the catenary can slowly increase

the angle and the oil easily redirected to a pocket for clean up.

New information that has been generated by this project is a method to quickly

estimate the load on a boom that is anchored at an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees to

the current. The following formula can be used: (Hansen, DeVitis, Potter, Ellis, and Coe,

2001):

T = K * A * V2
where: T = tensile force, lbf
K = constant, lbf /(ft2 x knots2)
A = projected area of the submerged portion of the boom, ft2
V = tow speed, knots

The projected area of the boom was calculated based on the boom draft, and the length of
the boom normal to the water current (i.e., the direction of travel):
A = d * L * sin θ
where: A = projected area of the submerged portion of the boom, ft2
d = boom draft, feet
L = boom length, feet (100 ft)
θ = diversion angle (10°, 20°, 30°)

The results of the equations are shown in Table 7 for a 100-foot boom with a 6-inch draft.

Multiply the values given by 2 for a 12-inch draft and by 3 for an 18-inch draft boom.

The first table is used for calm water and the second table for short-crested waves.

The chapter on tactics provides information for each tactics in each environment.

Special considerations are mentioned and recommendations are provided on the

techniques for deployment. Whenever possible, a figure (see Figure 2) is provided along

with a photograph (Figure 3) to reemphasize the concept. Situations are also shown from

actual spills Approaches for inland streams and culverts can also be used for coastal

inlets.

The chapter on unique booming techniques includes photographs and figures of

specific techniques that have been show to be successful, such as the Trans Mountain

Pipeline technique and DOWCAR Environmental method. Details on the use of newer

products that have been shown to be successful for river deployments such as Boom

Deflectors and Boom Vanes are also given. A chapter devoted to skimmers describes

those that can operate independently and those than can be used with other equipment

such as a Vessel of Opportunity Skimming System (VOSS). The systems described have

been successful in recovering oil in currents greater than 2 knots. Ice conditions and

special techniques such as water jets and pneumatic boom issues, including information

to implement these approaches are described in one chapter.

 The chapter on support equipment contains a large amount of information on

anchoring, rigging, boat selection and temporary oil storage. Figures and pictures are

again used to describe the systems. Anchor holding power, shoreline moorings and

vessel powering issues are also addressed. A table (Table 8) is included that provides the

amount of force that a boat must overcome to tow a boom lengthwise through the water.

To determine the total force, the value in the table is multiplied by the total length of

boom. The amount of horsepower needed can then be determined by dividing the total

force by 15 for an outboard and 20 for an inboard motor.

The appendices include definitions, conversion factors, safety factors and a

description of how oil spill processes are affected by fast water. Details about the

DOWCAR Environmental approach, methods to calculate loads on booms and additional

information about heavy oil response and flow through culverts are contained in separate

appendixes. A description of vector analysis is also included. An assessment of the

technologies was performed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Committee F20, Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response is also included.

4.0 Summary

This guide is the first attempt at placing all of the special information needed for a

fast-water response in one document. The resulting format is a trade-off among

competing requirements, but information from multiple references has been bought

together in a document that will be useful for training, planning and responding to spills

both in the private and government oil response sectors. When the manual is used for

training, individual pages can be printed out and used as aids. These pages can also be

taken into the field during a response or as many responders continue to bring laptops and

palmtops out into the field the gaps will close between the training, planning and

response communities resulting in readily accessible information and faster responses.

5.0 Acknowledgements

This manual could not have been compiled without the support of multiple people

LCDR Robert Loesch, USCG Headquarters, Mr. Scott Knutson, USCG District 13, CPO

Chris Weiller, USCG Marine Safety Office Wilmington, NC, CPO Timothy Adams,

USCG Gulf Strike Team, Mr. Dennis McCarthy, Clean Harbors Cooperative, New York,

Carl Oskin, DOWCAR Environmental, NM, Mr. Mike Popa, Marine Pollution Control,

Detroit, MI, CDR Steve Garrity, USCG Marine Safety Office, Detroit, MI, Mr. John J

Dec, USCG District 1, CDR Chris Doane, USCG District 5,. Mr. Tom Rayburn, Great

Lakes Commission, Mr. Ross Powers, US EPA, Mr. Ken Bitting, USCG R&D Center,

LT Tarik Williams, USCG Headquarters (G-MOR), CWO Jim Crouse, USCG Pacific

Strike Team, and LT Mike Long, USCG Marine Safety Office, New Orleans, LA. LCDR

and Roger Laferriere, USCG Marine Safety Office, Toledo.

Special thanks to Mr. Tom Coe of CSC Advanced Marine.

6.0 References

Coe, T.,and Gurr, B. (1998, December). Control of Oil Spills in Fast Water Currents, A
Technology Assessment, US Coast Guard Research and Development, Report CG-D-18­
99.

CONCAWE, (1982) A Field Guide to Inland Oil Spill Clean-up Techniques, Report No.
10/83, CONCAWE, Brussels, The Hague, Belgium.

DeVitis, David, Kurt Hansen and Kathleen Nolan, (2001, August). Development
of Fast-Water Oil Spill Containment and Cleanup Equipment, Groton, CT:USCG
Research and Development Center.

DiVitis, David, Kathleen Nolan and Kurt Hansen,(2000, November) Evaluation of

Four Oil Spill Recovery Systems in Fast-water Conditions at Ohmsett, Groton,
CD. USCG Research & Development Center.
DOWCAR Environmental Management, Inc. (1997). Inland Waters Oil Spill Response,
Training Manual, Volume No. 1, Ranchos de Taosm New Mexico, 1997.

EPPR (Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response) Working Group. (1998).

Field Guide for Oil Spill Response in Arctic Waters, Arctic Council, Environment
Canada, Yellowknife, NT, Canada, 1998.

Environmental Consultancy Service, Ltd., (1998) Coastal and Estuarine Booming

Contingency Planning, R&D Technical Report P209, Environment Agency, Swindon,
Wilts, United Kingdom.

Exxon Production Research Co. (1992). Exxon Oil Spill Response Field Manual.

Hansen, Kurt, (2000) Equipment Evaluation of Fast-Water Oil Recovery Equipment,"

Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Arctic and Marine Oil Spill Program (AMOP)
Technical Seminar, Environmental Canada, Ottawa, ON, pp. 429-445.

Hansen, Kurt A. (2000, January). Boom Vane Field Tests, Groton, CT:USCG
Research and Development Center. http://www.rdc.uscg.gov/reports/CR.pdf.
Hansen, Kurt A. (1999, September). Columbia River Fast Water Tests, Groton,
CT:USCG Research and Development Center.
http://www.rdc.uscg.gov/reports/CR.pdf.

US EPA (1990) District 10, Oil and Hazardous Substances Response Manual, Seattle
WA.

US Navy (1991) Ship Salvage Manual, Volume 6, Oil Spill Response, JMS Publishing, 1
December, 1991.

Opinions or assertions expressed in this paper are solely those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Government. The use of manufacturer names
and product names are included for descriptive purposes only and do not reflect
endorsement by the author or the U. S. Coast Guard of any manufacturer or product.

 Table 1. Summary on How to Use this Guide�

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 2 DECISION GUIDE

CHAPTER 3 HYDRODYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS

• Estimating currents and boom deflection angles
Selecting the best control points considering flow and topography
• Determining forces on boom and the effects of mooring line angles
CHAPTER 4 SCENARIOS & TACTICS

CHAPTER 5 UNIQUE BOOMING TECHNIQUES

CHAPTER 6 SKIMMING TECHNIQUES

CHAPTER 7 SPECIAL CONDITIONS/ALTERNATE TECHNIQUES

CHAPTER 8 SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

• Mooring Systems and Techniques
• Boats & powering considerations and Aircraft
• Temporary Oil Storage: Floating & Land
CHAPTER 9 SPECIALIZED METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

Appendixes
A. Table and Worksheet for Fast Water Response

B. Definitions

C. Conversion Tables

D. Processes Accelerated in Swift Current

E. Cascade Tactic for Booming a River (DOWCAR, 1997)

F. Current Estimation and Mooring Line Issues

G. Diversion Boom Mooring Line Force Worksheet

H. Vector Analysis for Currents and Wind

I. Heavy Oils

J. Culvert Calculations

K. Safety

L. Technology Assessment

REFERENCES

Table 2. Chapter 4 Table of Contents•

CHAPTER� 4.� SCENARIOS� &� TACTICS�
4.1 Rivers/Canals

4.2 Inland Rivers (no tides)

4.2.1 Diversion Booming

4.2.1.1 Double or Parallel Booming

4.2.2 Cascade Diversion Booming

4.2.3 Chevron Booming

4.2.3.1 Closed Chevron

4.2.3.2 Open Chevron

4.2.4 Encircle and Divert

4.3 Rivers/Canals (Tidal)

4.3.1 Tidal Seal Booms

4.3.2 Other Techniques

4.4 Small Streams/Creeks/Culverts

4.5 Coastal Areas

4.5.1 Single Diversion Boom

4.5.2 Cascade Boom

4.5.3 Exclusion Booming

4.5.4 Other Techniques

4.6 Harbors/Bays

4.7 Breachways and Harbor Entrances

4.7.1 Single Diversion

4.7.2 Cascade Systems

4.7.3 Blocking

 Table 3. Decision Table •

Decision Steps for Selecting Fast Water Strategies�

1.�Ga ther information:� Use the list in Appendix A for reminders. The table and worksheet can be printed
out and the information filled in as needed.
2. Determine Oil Trajectory: Where is the oil going? Use Area Contingency Plan and/or Environmental
Sensitivity Index to identify areas to be protected or where oil can be recovered along the route of the oil
trajectory. Determine the time of oil impact on land and identify locations where a protection or collection
strategy is warranted. Look for natural collection points.
3. Identify Potential Tactics: Use Table 2-1 to select tactics that can be used for each location. Table 2-2
contains a brief description of factors that should be considered. For additional details, refer to other
sections of this guide. If multiple tactics are applicable, evaluate with respect to the equipment available in
combination with the next step below.
4. Risk/benefit analysis: Conduct a human health risk assessment (see example in Appendix K) and a net
environmental benefit analysis for each strategy and alternative at each location.
5. Choose the final strategy: Select the option that yields the highest net human health and environmental
benefit.
6. Implement strategy:� Place equipment and personnel into position. Preposition equipment in optimal
locations whenever possible.
.�M onitor and adjust strategy as appropriate.

10

Table 4. Fast Water Worksheet

FAST WATER 1. Incident Name: 2. Date/time prepared: 3. Operational Period 4. Attachments
WORKSHEET
5. Fast Water Type Rivers/Canals (non-tidal) Rivers/Canals (tidal) Small Streams/Culverts/Creeks Coastal areas Harbors/Bays
Breakwaters and Harbor entrances Other (specify):
Oil Temperature Evaporation in Wind Visibility Rain, Sleet, Water (F)
Oil Type Amount F Humidity % 24 hours % (mph) (Ft) Snow Temperature Other
6. Background Info

7. Safety Hazards Confined Space Noise Heat Stress Cold Stress Electrical Animal/Plant/Insect Ergonomic Ionizing Rad Slips/Trips/Falls Struck by Water Violence

Excavation Biomedical waste and/or needles Fatigue Other (specify)

8. Personal Protection Life Jackets Oil resistant gloves Shoulder length resistant gloves Level D Eye protection Cold WX Gear Level C Splash Suits Hearing protection Fall protection

Water Sun screen Wet Suits Dry Suits Portable first aid kits Other (specify)

9. Potential Booming ETA Natural Shoreline Current Bottom Historical

Locations Oil Collection wave Speed & Water Tidal Amenable Debris, Shore Economic Nav
Impact Point energy Direction Access Depth Influence to Anchors Ice Sensitivity Concern Traffic Strategy Selection
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
Yes High Land High Yes High High High High
No Med Water Med No Med Med Med Med
Low Air Low Low Low Low Low
10. Selection Current < 2 Knots Current > 2 Knots Room to Maneuver Collection Possible on Opposite Sides
Strategies
Single Diversion Booming (Skirt < Single Diversion Booming (Skirt < 6

Rivers/Canals (non­ 12 inches) (SDB<12) inches) (SDB<6) Skimmers (SK)

Chevron Booming (CHV)
tidal) Sorbents (isolated areas) (SRB) Cascade Booming (CSC)

Exclusion Booming (EXB)

Encircle Booming (ECB)

Rivers/Canals (tidal) Double SDB<12, ECB, SRB Double SDB<6, CSC SK

CHV
Small Streams Fill, Dams, Weirs SK (small)

/Creeks/Culverts Underflow/Overflow Dams

(UFD/OFD)

SRB

Coastal Areas ENC, SDB<12 (no waves), SRB CSC SK

Harbor/Bays SDB<12, ECB, SRB SDB<6, CSC SK

CHV
Breakwaters/Harbor SDB<12, ECB, SRB, Fill, Dams, SDB<6, CSC SK
CHV
Entrances Weirs, UFD, OFD

Prepared by: Notes: Use codes in section 10 to complete strategy section in section 9.
Page _____ of _____

11

 Table 5. Fast Current Scenarios and Tactics
Scenario
Rivers/Canals (Non-Tidal):
Depth is greater than typical
boom skirt depth
May have tidal influence, but
current always goes in same
direction
Rivers/Canals-
(Tidal):
Depth is greater than typical
boom skirt depth
Current reverses direction
Small streams, creeks,
culverts:
Depth is less than boom skirt
depth
Amplifying Tactics
Information
Current speed dependent Single Diversion Boom
Vessel traffic dependent • Current < 2 knots use boom skirt of 12 inches
• Current > 2 knots use boom skirt 6 inches or
less
Currents over 2 knots Cascading Diversion Boom
• Use short skirts, shorts boom lengths and
sufficient overlap
Collection areas available Chevron Booms
on both sides • Open for vessel traffic
• Closed if no traffic
Currents less than 2 knots Single Diversion Boom
and river is wide Exclusion Boom for Sensitive Areas
Encircle & Divert to Collection Area
Sufficient room to Skimmers for Collection
maneuver
Vessels not available Boom Vane
Flow Diverters
Special Conditions Air and Water Jets
Isolated Areas Sorbents and Pom-Poms
Current speed dependent Diversion Boom – need double set
Vessel traffic dependent • Current < 2 knots use boom skirt of 12 inches
Special methods needed • Current > 2 knots use boom skirt 6 inches or
to compensate for tides less
Currents over 2 knots Cascade Boom - may need double set
• Use short skirts, shorts boom lengths and
sufficient overlap
Collection areas available Chevron - may need double set
on both sides • Open for vessel traffic
• Closed if no traffic
Currents less than 2 knots Encircling
and river is wide
Isolated Areas Sorbents and Pom-Poms
Sufficient room to Skimmers
maneuver
Vessels not available Boom Vane
Flow Diverters
Special Conditions Air and Water Jets
Isolated Areas Sorbents and Pom-Poms
Dependent upon flow rate Single Diversion for volume greater than about 10
(see Appendix H) cubic feet/second
Block for low volume Sealing
flow • Fill
• Dams
• Weirs
Design for volume Overflow/Underflow dams
Low Flow Sorbents and Pom-Poms
12
 Table 5. Fast Current Scenarios and Tactics (continued)
Scenario Amplifying Tactics
Information
Coastal Areas: Single Diversion Boom
Near shore wave • Current < 2 knots use boom skirt of 12 inches
dependent if no waves
Includes near shore
and straits
Various depths
Usually tidal
Currents over 2 knots Cascade Boom
• Use short boom lengths and sufficient overlap
Currents less than 2 knots Encircling
and river is wide

Sufficient room to Skimmers

maneuver

VOSS/SORS

Isolated Areas Sorbents and Pom-Poms

Harbors/Bays: Use river techniques in Single Diversion Boom

Near shore wave specific areas
dependent Current speed dependent
Depth is usually Vessel traffic dependent
greater than typical
boom skirt depth
Currents over 2 knots
Currents less than 2 knots
and area is large
Sufficient room to
maneuver
Special Conditions
Isolated Areas
Breach ways and Current speed, vessel
Harbor Entrances: traffic and wave dependent
Various depths
Usually tidal
Currents over 2 knots
Collection areas available
on both sides
Block for low volume
flow
Design for volume
No Vessels Available
Isolated Areas
• Current < 2 knots use boom skirt of 12 inches
if no waves
• Current > 2 knots use boom skirt 6 inches or
less if no waves
Cascade Boom
• Use short skirts, short boom lengths and
sufficient overlap
Encircling
Skimmers
Air and Water Jets
Sorbents and Pom-Poms
Single Diversion Boom
• Current < 2 knots use boom skirt of 12 inches
if no waves
• Current > 2 knots use boom skirt 6 inches or
less if no waves
Cascade Boom
• Use short skirts (if no waves), shorts boom
lengths and sufficient overlap
Chevron -
• Open for vessel traffic
• Closed if no traffic
Sealing
• Fill
• Dams
• Weirs
Overflow/Underflow dams
Boom Vane
Flow Diverters
Sorbents and Pom-Poms

13
 Table 6. Current chip log and maximum boom deflection angle.
Time to Drift Velocity Velocity Velocity Max Boom Deflection Boom Required for 100-foot Anchors if Placed
100 Feet (ft/sec) (m/sec) (knots) Angle Profile to Current Every 50 feet
(seconds) (degrees) (feet) (number)
6 16.7 5.1 10.00 4.0 1,429 30
8 12.5 3.8 7.50 5.4 1,071 22
10 10.0 3.1 6.00 6.7 857 18
12 8.3 2.5 5.00 8.0 714 15
14 7.1 2.2 4.29 9.4 612 13
17 5.9 1.8 3.53 11.4 504 11
20 5.0 1.5 3.00 13.5 429 10
24 4.2 1.3 2.50 16.3 357 8
30 3.3 1.0 2.00 20.5 286 7
40 2.5 0.8 1.50 27.8 214 5
60 1.7 0.5 1.00 44.4 143 4
>86 <1.2 <0.35 <0.70 90.0 100 3

Table 7. Force on One-Hundred Feet of Diversion Boom

(Angle between 10 and 30 degrees)

Calm Water
Speed (knots)
Angle Area 2 3 4 5 6
10 8.68 198.15 445.83 792.59 1238.42 1783.33
20 17.10 390.28 878.12 1561.10 2439.22 3512.48
30 25.00 570.54 1283.72 2282.18 3565.90 5134.90

Waves
Speed (knots)
Angle Area 2 3 4 5 6
10 8.68 396.30 891.67 1585.18 2476.85 3566.66
20 17.10 780.55 1756.24 3122.20 4878.44 7024.95
30 25.00 1141.09 2567.45 4564.35 7131.80 10269.80

Table 8. Pounds of force per foot of boom (towed from end).

Current
Skirt Depth (knots)
(inches) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4 0.03 0.11 0.24 0.42 0.66 0.95 1.30 1.69 2.14 2.65
6 0.04 0.16 0.36 0.64 0.99 1.43 1.95 2.54 3.22 3.97
8 0.05 0.21 0.48 0.85 1.32 1.91 2.59 3.39 4.29 5.29
12 0.08 0.32 0.71 1.27 1.98 2.86 3.89 5.08 6.43 7.94

14

 6.0
Based on critical escape velocity of 0.7 kts

Current Velocity (knots) 5.0

4.0
Flow Angle

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Boom Angle to Current (degrees)

Figure 1. Maximum Boom Angle for Boom Deployments

Figure 2. Drawing of Cascade Diversion Boom

Figure 3.Photograph of Cascade Diversion Booming

15